Tapestry In Black

According to statistics, over one-third (104 million) of Americans listen to podcasts regularly. Podcasting grew dramatically during COVID, and podcast listeners were increasingly diverse.

Young said that similar to the African Sankofa bird (whose feet face forward while its head is turned back with an egg in its mouth) letting people share their stories on his platform stirs up feelings of remembrance from the speakers while empowering the listeners to remember to reach back.

“Knowing where we come from and who we are helps and I think a lot of youth is at a loss and don’t have that connection. And that’s why

... we’re lost in America because we don’t have knowledge of self you know, or family or family history. And so, I just want this to be able to encourage others to kind of, you know, especially the youth [to] sit with your elders and talk to them and learn from them as the best you can.”

Young added that in the ‘60s it was a “turbulent time for African Americans in the United States.” said, adding that growing up he experienced his neighborhood change with the infiltration of drugs, the Vietnam war and other outside influences. The music of Motown also was the soundtrack of his life with its influences and cultural impact. “[It was] all part of it.”

He said that many of his guests have spoken of living during that time, which is seemingly repeating itself with unrest and violence.

“It was just an interesting time that really parallels with our times the last four to six years,” he said.

Video Producer Iman Young, a story producer and editor for the podcast told the Michigan Chronicle that as a third-generation communications professional, it’s an “honor” to work with her father.

“I’ve seen him work on many projects, but this one seems special. The thought of working with family on building our own framework for documenting Black oral narratives is most fulfilling,” she said.

Larry Bragg, 73, who grew up in the ‘60s, appeared on one of the podcast episodes when he described how stepping out of high school into a world of “chaos and change” was an unsettling norm for people, Black people especially, in his day.

Bragg said that being on the show and retelling his history, a slice of American history is one for all generations to take in and understand so that history doesn’t repeat itself.

“I think it’s important because how do we get to the next level if we don’t know what people went through back in the day? How are they going to move forward?” and Jonathan Majors, leading actors behind the CREED movie, walked on stage as presenters and made reference to Bassett.

“Hi, auntie. We love you.”

While #Blacktwitter had a night criticizing the Bassett snub, there was a positive Black win in the Best Costume category for her costume designs for the Black Panther movie. Ruth Carter becomes the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

Black shouldn’t do in response to the #OscarsSoWhite fallout.

“Here’s what I do know. Begging for acknowledgment, or even asking, diminishes dignity, and diminishes power. We are a dignified people, and we are powerful, and let’s not forget it.”

Classical Roots

where he brought creativity and inspiration for six years.

Anthony Davis was also honored, a composer, artist and pianist who captures audiences with his inspirations in relation to historical injustices.

“I grew up in the ‘60s east side of Detroit,” he said Kris Johnson, presented with the Marlowe Stoudamire Award for Innovation and Community Collaboration. “It’s always important to honor African American musicians as a whole, I specifically think classical music. I think it’s what other organizations may over look, but the music we see on stage here at the DSO is first rate.”

The Marlowe Stoudamire Award for Innovation and Community is presented annually. The late Stoudamire helped steer the Classical Roots mission and was a part of DSO’s Steering Committee

“Classical Roots is such a historical phenomenon,” said Lawrence Matthews, an attendee and local opera singer. “As a Detroit and singer I was always encouraged to visit and being here, it was breathtaking. The variety and style of music, having the composer here was amazing to see him in the flesh and talk about how important it is for Black people to show up and be visible and it was on stage.”

The series is on Amazon music, iheart, iTunes, and podbean or you can just search for “Tapestry in Black” podcast.

For more information visit tapestryinBlack.podbean.com.

“Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the superwoman that is a Black woman,” said Carter, as she delivered her acceptance speech. “She endures, she loves, she overcomes. She is every woman is this film.”

While there have been Black actors and actress snubbed and recognized, Jada Pickett-Smith argued in 2016 on what

Mainstream award shows such as the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys, have been on a decline in viewer ratings. In recent years based on the changing viewer habits and streaming options. However, Black people honoring the best in themselves in nothing new, a reflection of the lack of representation in people of color, years in the making by mainstream platforms. Some of the shows created to honor African Americans in their respective fields include The Soul Train Awards, The Source Awards, and The BET Awards.

More than 8,000 households have enrolled! The moratorium continues for these residents.